Hearst Castle: The Biography of a Country House,   ISBN:9780810934153

Customer Rating: 

This is one of the most photogenic estates and locations still standing. Therefore nothing less than the best photos will do. In a place like San Simeon one would expect the best artistry from the photographers. But here we get the ordinary. The photos are not near dramatic enough and the printing of the photos gives them a washed out and faded look. In addition the production quality of the book is not that great. I would expect a heavy coffee table style book with heavy paper and thick boards. This book has the appearence of a cost cutting effort. To see how to do this right look at 'Carolands' and 'Waddesdon Manor' and 'Newport Villas' and the recent Acanthus Press series on great estates. These are sumptuous volumes where great care has gone into the production. San Simeon deserves equal.

Customer Rating: 

My family visited Hearst Castle in September 2009 and the bookstore there wanted a lot of money for this book. I knew to wait until I got home to order it from Amazon, and I'm glad I did! I saved money like I always do with Amazon prices. The book has so many beautiful photos of the home, inside and out; it definately reminds me of the tour we took, and the remaining tours we need to take. A great buy for those who visited the home.

Customer Rating: 

This is a beautiful book with lots of photos of high quality. I am happy with this purchase. Someday I wish someone would do more with the architectural and furnishing details but that is not this book.
This has wonderful photos of the castle and the interior.

Customer Rating: 

This book is a great combination of pictures and info. A picture book with beautiful photos and very informative stories on the Hearst Castle, Mr Hearst himself, and architect Julia Morgan. Replete with extensive footnotes and background facts.

I read it once before a recent visit to the Hearst castle, and I am going through it again to reminisce over the wonderful architecture and art treasures at this magical place, captured here in a wonderful book.

Customer Rating: 

I enjoyed this book, and the details of his life relating to the building of this wonderful American treasure. I wish there had been more photos showing the details of the fine art and antiques collected from Europe early in this past century. Also it would have been worthwhile to show much more and better photos of the architectural elements of stone moulding, stucco detail, doors, tiles, ceilings, floor designs and iron work.